Psychoanalytic criticism Summary and Analysis

Psychoanalytic criticism uses the techniques and concepts of psychoanalysis to interpret literature. Psychoanalysis examines the interaction of conscious and unconscious parts of the mind as a method of therapy to cure mental disorder. Sigmund Freud is the major proponent of psychoanalysis. His clinical method encourages patients to speak freely, which releases subconscious fears into the conscious. Freud develops concepts about the unconscious, repression of unresolved conflicts and the sublimation of repressed conflicts into grander or disguised notions. He further categorizes the psyche into ego, super-ego and id that refines the mind into consciousness, conscience and unconscious. Sexuality is a major factor in Freudian thought. Freud relates sexuality and its expression to infantile sexuality, the Oedipus complex and libido, which is the energy that drives sexual desire. The classic focus of sexual development includes oral, anal and phallic stages. Freud...